Four-legged broiler chicken with two cloacae and three ceca

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Anatomy
• Congenital Anomalies in Poultry

Background:

• Poultry farming relies on healthy broiler chickens.
• Congenital malformations can impact animal welfare and productivity.

Observation:

• A 6-week-old Arbor Acres x Peterson crossbred broiler chicken presented with polymelia (four legs) and dipygus (two cloacae).
• The chicken exhibited three ceca, with one being larger and terminally divided into blind sacs.
• The two extra legs were attached to the pygostyle, with fused femoral heads and reduced size compared to normal legs.

Findings:

• Detailed anatomical description of the supernumerary limbs and duplicated cloacae.
• The intestinal arrangement and cecal morphology were significantly altered.
• Disarticulation of normal leg femoral heads from the acetabulum was noted.

Implications:

• Understanding such complex congenital anomalies is crucial for veterinary diagnostics.
• This case highlights the importance of monitoring genetic factors in broiler breeding programs.
• Further research into the embryological basis of these malformations could inform prevention strategies.